Fabrizio Romano provides update on Arsenal interest in “powerful” right-back, he has former Gunner’s approval

Arsenal are interested in Real Valladolid’s Iván Fresneda and have been monitoring him for some time now. According to one of Fabrizio Romano’s latest transfer updates, the Gunners are keeping a close eye on the 18-year-old but face competition from Borussia Dortmund.

There has been no ‘concrete negotiation’ at this stage and Romano says the race for Fresneda’s signature remains open. Both Arsenal and Dortmund have been in the running for the right-back since January, but he still has two years left on his current contract in Spain, so there is no urgency on Valladolid’s part to sell up.

Fresneda made 22 LaLiga appearances during the 2022/23 season and also enjoyed some action with the Spanish U19 international team. At just 18 years of age, he already has a lot of first team experience under his belt and he has impressed Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit.

The former midfielder, who spent three years with the Gunners, spoke to Sporting Post when Arsenal’s first interest in the right-back came to light.

“He’s powerful and has good technique. He gets forward well and has great energy,” Petit said of Fresneda. He also praised Mikel Arteta’s management and his growing of the young players at the club.

“I think Arteta and his team understand they have a jewel in their hands with this young team and they represent the future of the Premier League. They have improved so much.”

Fresneda is also a very versatile player, having featured at centre-back and on both the left and right-hand sides of the midfield this season.

At this moment in time, Arsenal only have Ben White available at right-back, as Takehiro Tomiyasu is currently out injured. They could also be looking at losing some options in midfield as Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey could be headed for the exit.